Father Bill W.
Father Bill W.
A Rebel in the Oxford Group: Life of a Founder
A Rebel in the Oxford Group: Life of a Founder
A Rebel in the Oxford Group: Life of a Founder
Monday 5th January 2026
Explore the Oxford Group's impact on recovery with Father Bill W. and David Belden's transformative journey.
68 minutes
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Religion & Spirituality
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
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Get the buttons here!Rebellion, Recovery, and Spiritual Revival: The Oxford Group's Legacy
Episode Overview
- David Belden's questioning of Oxford Group principles led to personal transformation.
- Frank Buchman's methods influenced Alcoholics Anonymous' formation.
- Spiritual experiences can drive personal and social change.
- The Oxford Group's legacy extends beyond addiction recovery.
- Understanding historical movements can inform modern recovery practices.
"How are you going to create the new Europe without the Germans?"
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? This episode takes you on a journey through the life of David Belden, who was born into a family deeply entrenched in the Oxford Group, an influential movement that sought to change the world through spiritual revival. Father Bill W. introduces us to David, whose life took unexpected turns while carrying the message of the Oxford Group in Africa, leading him to question its principles.
Returning to Oxford, David pursued a doctoral dissertation exploring the Group's history and influence, eventually penning a memoir on his transformative journey. The episode delves into the life of Frank Buchman, the charismatic leader of the Oxford Group, and his ambitious vision for global change. David shares insights into Buchman's methods and how they impacted the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Through personal anecdotes and historical context, listeners gain an understanding of how spiritual experiences and personal transformations can lead to broader social change. This episode is not just about history; it's about learning from the past to inspire present and future recovery journeys. With light-hearted exchanges and profound reflections, Father Bill W. and David offer a captivating narrative that will leave you pondering the power of spiritual practice in addiction recovery.
So, what can we learn from those who have battled addiction? Tune in to find out.